Festival of the Air Takes Off

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Essex, Europe's largest surviving First World War aerodrome, has hosted a spectacular celebration of all things Aviation.

The popular museum is battling for survival, trying to recover from huge financial losses caused by the recent road closures that prevented its loyal supporters from reaching the site.

With the road now fully open, the audiences so desperately needed to keep the museum open are starting to return. The Propwash event, billed as a 'Festival of the Air' attracted families from across the region.

Enjoying a hot and sunny day, the popular museum welcomed displays from national stars like the Nieuport 17 and BE2e WW1 types. They were closely followed by the crazy antics of the Turbulent team, who had the crowds gasping with their limbo manoeuvres and barnstorming tricks. After a graceful and exciting display by the acrobatic RF-4, the crowd roared as the sound of a Merlin engine filled the skies over Essex.

There was no escaping the happiness of the onlookers as the famous Spitfire, hero of the Battle of Britain, twisted and turned against a crystal blue sky. It departed to rapturous applause to be replaced by the Tiger Nine – the famous historic display team of nine vintage Tiger Moths.

Alongside the breathtaking displays in the air, ground attractions included WW1 and Spitfire flight simulators, flying schools, clubs and aviation organisations like the Tiger Club and the British Women's Pilots Association. Guests of honour were Sophie Stuart-Buttle and family - descendants of Capt. Claude Ridley, the first Station Commander of RFC Stow Maries. They attended a talk on their antecedent and then were given a behind-the-scenes tour.

With all the exhibitions open to the public, as well as a Bar from local brewers Datum Aƫtude and the famous BBQ, a hugely fun day was had by all.

Chief Exec Ian Flint was very happy.

"We are so grateful to all of the visitors that have joined us today for this wonderful event. To encourage engagement with heritage and aviation is a key part of our work and today we achieved that. We need as many supporters as possible of possible if we are to survive, so today was a lovely thing to see!"

The next event at the site is the Large Model Air Show on 14th September.